All horse folks know that our horse companions at times have a phobia of those oh-so-terrifying puddles! But while we may be amused by this, there actually is a reason to be worried about those puddles of water. There are hoof problems to watch for when it rains.
As a farrier in the area of the Great Dismal Swamp I’ve seen plenty of knee-deep mud and overflowing ditches! When you see a horse run or when you receive a hard kick, hooves seem unbreakable. But they are actually very susceptible and fragile.
In this post, I will be going over the most common issues caused by swampy or overly wet ground. These are ones that I have seen too often in my corner of the world. And I’ll be recommending the best prevention and anti-spread/worsening methods, as well as sharing some helpful links and resources.
Hoof Problems To Watch For When It Rains
There are several common things that you may run into during the rainy season that affect the hoof or leg. There is quite a variety of conditions that you may stumble upon during a grooming routine. Or while cleaning out hooves. And they have many remedies and preventions.
But they all have the same root cause: too much moisture. Here are three hoof problems to watch for when it rains.
1. Rain Scald (Commonly known as “Rain Rot”)
You’ve probably seen it. Remember that weird reaction your horse had a few years ago? Where all the hair around their ‘ankles’ fell out but it kinda went away? That was possibly an infection. Though it may go away on its own, rain scald can be very serious and must be watched very closely.
What is it Rain Scald?
Rain Scald is actually a living bacteria called Dermatophilus congolensis. It invades the cracked and susceptible surface of the skin that has been weakened due to extended contact with moisture.
What does Rain Scald look like?
When it has been particularly wet, or muddy, is when you have to be very watchful. Rain Scald is one of the hoof problems to look out for when it rains. It’s often first noticed around the pastern or fetlock joint region (directly above the hoof). Though somewhat invisible to the naked eye, the bacteria can grow at an alarming rate. It can even spread rapidly up the leg to the rest of the body. The first sign you’ll see are bits of hair that begin to fall out very easily in chunks. At times, even small scabs and sores will form. Usually on the surface of the skin where the hair has fallen out. In serious cases, these patches will spread up the leg or even all the way up the rump and spine.
How can I prevent Rain Scald?
Keep Your Horses Clean and Dry
The best way to prevent rain scald is to ensure that your horse’s legs are kept clean and dry. This may sound oversimplified or even too easy. But it really is that simple. Wiping down their legs with a rag can help. As well as gently brushing them on a daily basis to keep any caked mud or dirt at a minimum.
Give Them A Dry Place
It is also important that your horses have a dry place to go. Like a stall with dry shavings or sand or even a run-in out in the pasture with straw.
In areas around Southern VA and Northeastern NC the rain seems to last forever. When everyone’s pastures are flooded and squishy, it may seem like an impossible feat to keep anything dry. But creating a dry space for your hooved-friends is so important.
Don’t let Rain Scald spread
This may seem obvious but I must also note that Rain Scald spreads extremely quickly, even from horse to horse! So, brushes used on an infected animal must never be used on other animals! Many people use things like mouthwash to clean the areas affected. That can also be used on the brushes and supplies used on the infected animals.
Always consult a veterinarian before trying any cures of your own. Some cases of ringworm or other different bacterial infections can look like rain scald so ask a professional. Rain Scald is only one of the many hoof problems to watch for when it rains.
2. Thrush
Most farmers have had their share of thrush cases in their year. And in the swamp, it is not uncommon for at least one of the herd to have it every season.
What is Thrush?
Thrush is a fungus that, like most fungi, thrives in warm, dark, and wet places. That makes the underside of a hoof a perfect place to grow.
What should I look for?
One of the first signs of thrush is the terrible odor you may notice when cleaning out their hooves. That pungent odor is very distinct and is often the first red flag. It can be followed closely by black or white powdery flecks. These are found near the frog or the inner wall around the white line.
How Can I Prevent Thrush?
Keep Your Horses Clean and Dry
The best way to prevent thrush, is to keep the feet clean and dry. Because of its attraction to warm and moist environments, hooves are very vulnerable. It’s important to keep as much dry bedding in your horse’s stall or run-in as you can. And be sure to keep the inside and the outside of the feet as breathable as possible.
“Thrush Busters”
Treatments like “Thrush Buster” are quick and very helpful remedies for thrush. However, if the problem seems to get worse at all, always call your veterinarian for advice.
When a horse is standing in constant moisture, it can cause issues that are not limited to bacterial infections. Issues that can become quite severe, causing lameness and discomfort to your horse. In many cases, horses will be quite antsy and unwilling to stand still if the feet become too tender. There are many different hoof problems to watch for when it rains. If your horse is showing signs of lameness, always call your veterinarian immediately. And always try to keep both them and your farrier on the same page.
3. Soft Soles
Many, many horses have thrown a shoe, or have acted touchy when cleaning out their feet. But what if all this rain and muck had something to do with it?
What are Soft Soles?
A horse can experience soft soles. As strange as it may seem, the horse’s hoof is actually quite sponge-like and will slowly absorb water. This makes the foot very tender. In some cases, even thumb pressure applied to the tip of the sole of the hoof will make it give. This softness in some cases can cause lameness. Horse owners must keep a watchful eye out when the weather turns wet.
What should I look for?
In horses that have developed soft soles, an owner may have noticed mild lameness. Or even a reaction to picking their hooves. Horses that are shod that begin to have symptoms of Soft Sole may even begin throwing their shoes. Even when that has never been a problem before. This is because the wetness in the hoof wall does not hold the clamped nails in place like dry ones. When an owner notices any of these signs or suspects soft soles they should always reach out to their vet. They should also alert their farrier and keep them up to date on everything.
How can I prevent it?
Keep Your Horses Clean and Dry
Once again, one way to prevent soft soles is to try and keep your animals’ feet as dry as possible. As well as cleaning them out daily or as often as possible.
Be Careful with Hoof Conditioners or Soaks
There is one thing that a horse owner should avoid when their horse is experiencing soft soles. Avoid using large amounts of hoof conditioners or soaks. Because of the already present moisture in and around the feet, this will only add to the problem.
Give Them A Dry Space
When a horse is known to be prone to soft soles it is vital that they always have a dry environment at their disposal. Animals that have soft soles must have restricted activity and should avoid being ridden on gravel or rough/hard terrain because soft soles are much more prone to bruising and abscesses.
Conclusion
My hope with this post is not to scare or make anyone paranoid of rainy days. I want to help inform all of my fellow horse enthusiasts and help keep our hooved friends healthy!
As always, I am not a veterinarian but a young farrier that is eager to learn. Do you need a farrier? Please feel free to contact me!
For more info on Rain Scald, Thrush and Soft Soles these are some resources that you may find helpful:
